Sporting News – Ben Stokes will not retain his England vice-captaincy when he returns for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, with James Anderson to remain in the role.

Summary

Ben Stokes will not retain his England vice-captaincy when he returns for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, with James Anderson to remain in the role.

When Joe Root was handed the Test captaincy in February last year, Stokes was announced as his deputy.

However, Anderson was named as vice-captain for the Ashes tour of Australia after Stokes was charged along with two other men following an incident in Bristol in September, when he was arrested during a night out after a one-day international against West Indies.

Stokes appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court last month before flying out to New Zealand, and pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray to Bristol Crown Court via video link on Monday.

While Stokes is expected to return to Test cricket against the Black Caps, Anderson has been confirmed as Root’s deputy, with the 134-Test veteran hoping the team’s fortunes can improve after a difficult tour of Australia.